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‘Flutings’ or ‘flutes’ are elongated, flow-parallel subglacial bedforms associated with relatively fast flowing glaciers. Analysis of recently acquired high-resolution (50 cm) LiDAR data has identified the presence of large, very low-relief flutings on the Menteith Hills in Central Scotland. These subtle landforms, up to 1 km in length and 10s of metres wide, are interpreted as ‘megaflutes’, falling in between the accepted definition of flutes and the much longer mega-scale glacial lineations. This new geomorphological mapping suggests that the palaeo Teith Glacier grew thick enough to breach the local watershed, forcing a branch of glacier ice to flow into the Forth Valley. The megaflutes are located near the accepted Loch Lomond Stadial (Younger Dryas Stadial) limits in the area, yet are currently undated. Flutes are difficult to identify in the field, on aerial imagery or digital elevation models with ≤ 5 m resolution due to their low-relief and often widespread vegetation cover. LiDAR is therefore a valuable tool for revealing these landforms where they would otherwise go unnoticed. This new research offers a fresh perspective for the glacier landform record in a key part of Central Scotland and highlights the importance of high-resolution LiDAR data for mapping glacial geomorphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractGeological action is one of the main forces in the formation of topography, especially in the southeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Collapse, landslide, mud-rock flow and other geological actions are the main factors affecting the evolution of river valley landforms. However, existing inference methods primarily rely on theoretical calculations and multi-temporal remote sensing image interpretation, lacking direct analysis and validation through geological exploration techniques. In response, this study employed geological engineering and geotechnical exploration techniques to investigate the impact of debris flows, landslides, and collapses on the evolution of topography and geomorphology in a 5.0 km section of the Yigong Zangbo Basin. Through drilling and geophysical exploration, 6 geological profiles were constructed, identifying the distribution range and development characteristics of the geological phenomena within this section of the river valley, revealing the distribution positions of both the new and old river channels, and inferring the evolution of the river bedrock based on the original topography. The study found that when geological phenomena occur, substantial material is transported into the river channel, altering its original shape and influencing the river’s erosion process. Additionally, the occurrence of geological phenomena is closely correlated with the evolution of river valley morphology. When the river valley is wide, material accumulation on one side causes the river to flow along a lower position on the opposite side, primarily resulting in the river’s bending on the plane. In contrast, in narrow river valleys, material accumulation on the sides can fill the entire river channel, leading to a rise in the riverbed. These research findings provide a critical theoretical basis for understanding river valley morphological evolution and informing basin engineering construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landforms are fundamental components of the Earth surface, providing the base on which surface processes operate. Understanding and classifying global landforms, which record the internal and external dynamics of the planet's evolution, constitutes a critical aspect of Earth system science. Advances in Earth observation technologies have enabled access to higher resolution data, for example remote sensing imagery and digital elevation models (DEMs). However, landform data with a resolution of approximately 1 arc-second (approximately 30 m) are lacking at the global scale, which limits the progress of geomorphologic studies at finer scales. Here, we propose a novel framework for global landform classification and release a unique dataset called Global Basic Landform Units (GBLU), which incorporates a comprehensive set of objects that constitute the range of landforms on Earth. Constructed from multiple 1 arc-second DEMs, GBLU ranks among the highest-resolution global geomorphology datasets to date. Its development integrates geomorphological ontologies and key derivatives to strike a balance between mitigating local noise and preserving valuable landform details. GBLU categorizes the Earth's landforms into three levels with 26 classes, yielding discrete vector units that record landform type and distribution. Comparative analyses with previous datasets reveal that GBLU enhances capture of landform details, enabling more precise depiction of geomorphological boundaries. This refinement facilitates the identification of novel spatial disparities in landform patterns, exemplified by marked contrasts between Asia and other continents, and highlights the distinct prominence of China in terms of landform diversity. Given that the fundamental data resolution of GBLU accords well with available remote sensing datasets, it is readily incorporated into analytical workflows, exploring the relationship between landforms, climate and land cover. The full data set is available on the Deep-time Digital Earth Geomorphology platform and Zenodo (Yang et al., 2024; https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13187969). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Himalayas significantly impact local and regional hydro-sedimentary processes and weathering rates. Utilizing geomorphometric anomalies offers insights into the connections between topographic factors and rates of cation weathering and sedimentary flux. An empirical model RS-GIS tool was used to compute the runoff and weathering rates of the basin. The 6th-order Lolab River with 451 different lower-order streams is dominated by dendritic to semi-dendritic draining patterns with the presence of steep slopes. The linear aspects of the basin showed the drainage pattern is influenced by geological and lithological factors. Additionally, other parameters such as rotundity factor, circulation factor, compactness coefficient, and elongation ratio indicate an elongated shape, reduced peak flow, and a complex structure. The significant reduction in Runoff (Q) and Sediment Production Rate (SPR) within the Lolab basin, measuring 4.61 sq km-cm/sq km and 0.17 ha-m/100-sq km/year respectively, suggests minimal runoff and reduced soil erosion. These findings can provide valuable information about weathering, erosion, and sediment delivery processes. This data helps understand how environmental changes and natural hazards affect the fragile Himalayan landscape and aids in regional land management decisions for sustainable land use policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shyok Valley, within the Upper Indus Basin in Trans-Himalayas, lies in the cold and arid region. It is fed by the Siachen glacier; the largest glacier in the third pole. The fluctuations in this glacier are attributed to varying intensities of the two weather regimes namely mid-latitude westerlies and Southwest Monsoon. The reconstruction of the magnitude, timing, and landscape impact of glaciers in Nubra-Shyok valley have been explored in past decade yet they are contentious and uncertain. Therefore, the present study investigates the sediments from the key sites (Agham, Khardung, Changmar, Chalunka) in the Shyok valley using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating technique. The diverse geomorphology, including moraines, sand dunes, mass movement zone, alluvial fans are mapped to represent the geomorphic setting of the region. The chronological ages from the lower Shyok Valley (Agham section: 18.4 ± 2.2 ka) suggest extensive glacier expansion beyond the present terminus of the Siachen Glacier during the Marine Isotopic Stage (MIS)-2. The Khardung section has glaciofluvial deposits: 24.0 ± 2.4 ka (KHG-1), younger moraine: 8.2 ± 1.0 ka (KHG-9) and lacustrine deposits (KHGL-5, KHGL-6, KHGL-7): 14.1 ± 2.0 ka, 12.1 ± 1.1 ka, 10.7 ± 1.3 ka. The glacial events that occurred around 8.2 ka and 12.0 ka suggest glacial advancement which are likely due to a period of lower temperature. The Changmar section displays lacustrine deposits and debris flow events dated to the late glacial (14.5 ± 1.7 ka, CHG-1; 13.2 ± 1.6 ka, CHG-2) and deglaciation period (6.5 ± 1.2 ka, CHG-3; 5.5 ± 1.0 ka, CHG-4). The presence of the Holocene-aged lateral moraines (20 km away from Chalunka village: 14.3 ± 1.3 ka, CLM-2; 5.7 ± 0.9 ka, CLM-3; 0.4 ± 0.04 ka, CLM-4) and CHG-8: 2.1 ± 0.3 ka; outwash plain deposits: COP-7: 2.4 ± 0.4 ka aligns with the previous findings in the Nubra Valley, suggesting glacial advance in Little Ice Age in the whole valley. The glacial event occurring between 2.4 and 2.1 ka corresponds to the Neoglacial epoch, characterized by a glacial advance likely caused by a decrease in temperature during the late Holocene period. The intensified mid-latitude westerlies during MIS-2 are inferred to be the key factor in increased moisture to the Shyok Valley which led to the glacier expansion. These findings enhance our understanding of past climate changes in this high-altitude region and serve as a valuable baseline for future studies on glacial response to climate variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of natural hazards in coastal environments is of great necessity, especially in the current context of global climate change and increasing population concentrations. This research focuses on a multi-hazard analysis of the main geotechnical, geomorphological, hydrological, and lithological risks in the southeastern margin of the Ría de Arosa using Geographic Information System techniques. The integration of geotechnical characterization maps and natural hazard maps has allowed for the identification of areas with a high susceptibility to natural disasters, which is crucial for territorial planning and management in the context of growing urban pressure and global climate change. The results indicate that poorly consolidated surface formations, especially in transitional areas such as dunes and marshes, are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, areas with higher lithological competence have been identified, where slope changes contribute to ground instability. This analysis provides valuable tools for decision-making and the implementation of risk management policies, promoting sustainable development, the protection of coastal ecosystems, and the prevention of risks from urban planning and civil engineering activities in the Ría de Arosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although erosion has naturally been driven by rainfall patterns, human activities have increasingly influenced erosion rates in recent times. However, as climate change alters precipitation, future erosion control may once again depend primarily on climate. The primary goal of this investigation was to ascertain whether the issue of escalated erosion, typically linked to downstream dam effects, could diminish in significance due to projected climatic shifts later in this century. An erosion potential index (Ep), formulated as the ratio of the mass of sediment influx from upstream to the frequency of the sediment-carrying flow events, was computed on a tributary of the Godavari River, located downstream of a dam. Using the Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), virtual experiments were conducted to distinguish the impacts of the dam from projected climate changes on river geomorphology. Two control scenarios were created using the current climate data and simulated regulated and unregulated states of the basin. Employing climate projections and various mitigation scenarios (SSPs) for the 2060s and 2090s, this study estimated Ep values exclusively under future climatic conditions in an unregulated state of the basin. Results indicate that, in the unregulated state without the existence of the upstream dam, future climate impacts on erosion outweigh the current effects of the dam, underscoring the growing influence of climate on geomorphology. It suggests that existing structural interventions may lose their geomorphic significance in the face of future climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the nearshore sediment transport and shifts in coastlines in view of climate change is important for planning and management of coastal infrastructure and requires an accurate prediction of the regional wave climate as well as an in-depth understanding of the complex morphology surrounding the area of interest. Recently, hybrid shoreline evolution models are being used to inform coastal management. These models typically apply the one-line theory to estimate changes in shoreline morphology based on littoral drift gradients calculated from a 2DH coupled wave, flow, and sediment transport model. As per the one-line theory, the calculated littoral drift is uniformly distributed over the active coastal profile. A key challenge facing the application of hybrid models is that they fail to consider complex morphologies when updating the shorelines for several scenarios. This is mainly due to the scarcity of field datasets on beach behavior and nearshore morphological change that extends up to the local depth of closure, leading to assumptions in this value in overall shoreline shift predictions. In this study, we propose an improved hybrid model for shoreline shift predictions in an open sandy beach system impacted by human interventions and changes in wave climate. Three main conclusions are derived from this study. First, the optimal boundary conditions for modeling shoreline evolution need to vary according to local coastal geomorphology and processes. Second, specifying boundary conditions within physically realistic ranges does not guarantee reliable shoreline evolution predictions. Third, hybrid 2D/one-line models have limited applicability in simple planform morphologies where the active beach profile is subject to direct impacts due to wave action and/or human interventions, plausibly due to the one-line theory assumption of a constant time-averaged coastal profile. These findings provide insightful information into the drivers of shoreline evolution around sandy beaches, which have practical implications for advancing the shoreline evolution models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonate reservoirs in the Central Luconia Province of Malaysia underwent significant karstification during the Miocene. Such features have a detrimental impact on drilling operations, as has been reported for over 40 years in this province. This implies that the karst architecture and geometry may exhibit potentially high-risk behaviours during drilling activities, necessitating a thorough investigation of the features. This study aims to achieve several objectives using Jx field subsurface data, i.e., 3D seismic data and well data, including (1) analysing the interrelationship between karsts and faults, (2) examining the appropriate and effective attributes for analysing the geomorphology of the karst surfaces, and (3) conducting comparative and analog studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of karst formation and characteristics. This research attempted to determine the dimensions and extent of the faults and karsts, which were discovered to be highly connected, and this endeavor is critical for assessing the potential hazardous risk features within the platform. The major fault lineaments that bound the study field were interpreted using the Automatic Fault Extraction (AFE) module application combined with the manual fault-picking technique in the PaleoScan 2022 software. Four main horizon surfaces within the carbonate interval were selected for evaluating karst geomorphology using appropriate seismic attributes, as geomorphology is an important subject that requires serious attention, particularly when determining low-risk regions for drilling programs. Two attributes were extracted from the horizon surfaces: seismic relief and dip attributes, which efficiently distinguish the karst features and define the structural morphology of karsts. Dendritic karst networks, as well as karst collapses or sinkholes, are the most common karst features observed. These features exhibit discontinuity form and synclinal expression (high dip magnitude) when viewed in seismic and using the applied attributes. The comparative and analog study was conducted in Niah Caves, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, using karst interpretation employing digital elevation model (DEM) maps and fieldwork. Most of the delineated karst features observed on the DEM map of the Niah Caves are similar to those discovered in the Jx field; however, their dimensions vary between the two carbonate buildups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: On 16 June 2024, Longyan City in Fujian Province, Eastern China experienced exceptionally heavy rainfalls, setting a 24 h record of 377.3 mm. The extreme rainfalls triggered numerous landslides, causing widespread damage to residential homes and disrupting transportation in several areas, which attracted significant public attention. Timely acquisition of landslide inventories, along with a de‐ tailed understanding of their spatial distribution and controlling factors, is crucial for informing post-disaster emergency response and recovery efforts. Methods: Satellite optical remote sensing imagery and digital elevation model in the affected region were used in conjunction with the ResU-Net model to rapidly and accurately identify the landslides triggered by the extreme rainfalls. A spatial analysis of the landslide distribution was conducted by integrating factors such as topography, geomorphology, and human activities. Additionally, an optimal parameters-based geographical detector model was employed to quantitatively analyze the primary controlling factors behind the landslides and the interaction effects between dual controlling factors. Results: The extreme rainfall event triggered at least 3 951 landslides, covering a total area of approximately 21.30 km². Most landslides were small in scale, with Shanghang and Wuping counties being the most severely affected, showing a clustered spatial distribution. The spatial analysis revealed that 44% of the landslides occurred at elevations between 200-300 m, with landslide frequency increasing as the distance to roads and rivers decreased. Elevation, distance to roads, and distance to rivers were identified as the primary controlling factors for the landslides. Interaction effects between controlling factors were found to enhance landslide occurrence, with the interaction between elevation and land cover being particularly significant. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive inventory of landslides triggered by the extreme rainfall event in Longyan City, and identifies the primary controlling factors and spatial distribution patterns. The findings provide essential data for post-disaster emergency response, reconstruction planning, and risk assessment of potential secondary disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multibeam echosounders provide ideal data for the semi-automated seabed feature extraction and accurate morphometric measurements. In this study, bathymetric and raw backscatter data were initially used to manually delimit the reef morphologies found in an insular semi-enclosed gulf in the northern Aegean Sea (Gera Gulf, Lesvos Island, Greece). The complexity of this environment makes it an ideal area to "crash test" (test to the limit) and compare the results of the delineation methods. A large number of (more than 7000) small but prominent reefs were detected, which made manual mapping extremely time-consuming. Three semi-automated tools were also employed to map the reefs: the Benthic Terrain Modeler (BTM), Confined Morphologies Mapping (CoMMa), and eCognition Multiresolution Segmentation. BTM did not function properly with irregular reef footprints, but by modifying both the bathymetry and slope, the outcome was improved, producing accurate results that appeared to exceed the accuracy of manual mapping. CoMMa, a new GIS morphometric toolbox, was a "one-stop shop" that, besides generating satisfactory reef delineation results (i.e., detecting the same total reef area as the manual method), was also used to extract the morphometric characteristics of the polygons resulting from all the methods. Lastly, the Multiresolution Segmentation also gave satisfactory results with the highest precision. To compare the final maps with the distribution of the reefs, mapcurves were created to estimate the goodness-of-fit (GOF) with the Precision, Recall, and F1 Scores producing values higher than 0.78, suggesting a good detection accuracy for the semi-automated methods. The analysis reveals that the semi-automated methods provided more efficient results in comparison with the time-consuming manual mapping. Overall, for this case study, the modification of the bathymetry and slope enabled the results' accuracy to be further enhanced. This study asserts that the use of semi-automated mapping is an effective method for delineating the geomorphometry of intricate relief and serves as a powerful tool for habitat mapping and decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid changes in river geomorphology can occur after being disturbed by external factors like earthquakes or large dam obstructions. Studies documenting the evolution of river morphology under such conditions have advanced our understanding of fluvial geomorphology. The Dajia River in Taiwan presents a unique example of the combined effects of a coseismic fault (the 1999 Mw 7.6 Chi-Chi earthquake) and a dam. As a result of the steep terrain and abundant precipitation, rivers in Taiwan have exhibited characteristic post-disturbance evolution over 20 years. This study also considers two other comparative rivers with similar congenital conditions: the Daan River was affected by a thrust fault Chi-Chi earthquake as well, and the Zhuoshui River was influenced by dam construction finished in 2001. The survey data and knickpoint migration model were used to analyze the evolution of the three rivers and propose hypothesis models. Results showed that the mobile knickpoint migrated upstream under the influence of flow, while the dam acted as a fixed point, leading to an increased elevation gap and downstream channel incision. Thereby, the narrowing and incision of the Dajia River began at both ends and progressively spread to the whole reach under the combined effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article attempts to interpret folk narratives featuring the motif of producing millstones from erratic boulders and their subsequent reuse in new functional contexts. According to our assumptions, in folk narratives originating from the northern regions of Germany and Poland, where these motifs are present, one can find references to the methods of obtaining stone materials characteristic of these areas. These narratives also include information about the occurrence of erratic boulders – consistent with the geomorphology of regions affected by the last glaciation, and residual information regarding the distribution of millstones as well as semi-finished products. Thus, folk narratives can often serve as an interesting point of reference not only for ethnologists and folklorists but also for geologists and geographers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is an article from the Journal of Coastal Research, focusing on Fowlers Bay in South Australia. It provides information about the bay's history, including its use by whalers in the 18th and 19th centuries, the establishment of a landing and port in the 1860s, and its subsequent decline and revitalization through tourism. The article also describes the bay's current features, such as seagrass meadows, dunes, and ongoing efforts to stabilize the dunes. [Extracted from the article]

Clarifying the response relationship between soil radon gas anomalies and active fault tectonic geomorphology, and to explore a rapid prediction method for concealed fractures, soil radon gas measurements and unmanned aerial vehicle micro-geomorphic scanning were carried out in the basin section of the Aba South Fault in western Sichuan. The areas of radon gas anomalies and tectonic features formed by fracture activities are highly consistent with the distribution areas of hidden fractures. It is concluded that the combination of soil radon gas measurements and tectonic geomorphologic analysis can rapidly and accurately predict hidden fractures covered by Quaternary sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The island of Malta, despite its small size, boasts a great variety of landscapes and landforms, offering a wide range of geological and geomorphological features of great interest. The identification and assessment of geosites can contribute to the preservation, protection, and promotion of this rich geodiversity. In addition, geosites have a high potential of attracting geotourists, thus also contributing to the development of the local economy. Tourism plays a key role for the Maltese Islands, with Malta's tourism direct contribution to GDP being among the highest in Europe. Thus, geotourism could represent a significant resource for Malta, though it has yet to receive the attention and recognition it deserves. Within this framework, this work aims to highlight the role of geoheritage and geotourism as potential resources for the enhancement of sustainable tourism and geoconservation in the southern sector of Malta. This region of Malta receives less visitors compared with the northern sector of the island, which is popular for its sandy beaches. To this end, potential geosites were inventoried and quantitatively assessed using a commonly applied methodology tailored to the local setting. The results of this evaluation let to identify 18 potential geosites that can be recognized as both parts of the Maltese natural heritage and tourist resources. Among these 18 sites, we identified four priority geosites which could be incorporated into a potential geotourism route to also highlight the valuable elements of the cultural heritage located in the vicinity. Moreover, the assessment methodology, applied for the first time in the investigated area, has proven to be a valuable support for geosite identification and can be extended to other Maltese regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface elevation tables (SETs) estimate the vertical resilience of coastal wetlands to sea-level rise (SLR) and other stressors but are limited in their spatial coverage. Conversely, spatially integrative metrics based on remote sensing provide comprehensive spatial coverage of horizontal processes but cannot track elevation trajectory at high resolution. Here, we present a critical advance in reconciling vertical and horizontal dynamics by assessing the relationship between elevation change, relative tidal elevation (Z*), and the unvegetated-vegetated marsh ratio (UVVR) across coastal wetland complexes in the southeastern USA. We first used the UVVR to determine the representativeness of the SET site relative to varying spatial footprints across the complex and found that SET sites generally represent the tidal wetland areas in terms of vegetated cover. There is also overall coherence between positive vertical change and high vegetative cover, but we also identified sites with high vegetative cover and negative vertical change (relative to SLR). The only sites exceeding the pace of SLR have UVVR values below the previously established 0.15 threshold. Some sites are not keeping up with SLR despite having intact marsh plains; this may indicate a risk of submergence with undetectable marsh plain loss, or an imminent transition to future open-water conversion. Aggregation of Z* across the same footprint as the UVVR demonstrates consistent coherence between elevation and vegetative cover, with lower elevation sites having larger UVVR. These results indicate that the UVVR is a suitable initial screening tool: areas above the 0.15 threshold are both horizontally and vertically vulnerable. Furthermore, this comparison suggests that horizontal integrity is a prerequisite for vertical stability: a marsh can only maintain elevation if the plain is intact with minimal unvegetated area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean water is a fundamental need for communities, sourced from both surface water (e.g., rivers, streams, springs) and groundwater (surface and deep aquifers). Groundwater dynamics are influenced by natural factors, including geology and geomorphology, which determine aquifer characteristics such as type, depth, thickness, and permeability. Geological structures influence groundwater flow direction, while lithology affects aquifer ion concentration and water quality. Surface morphology impacts groundwater table depth and movement patterns, with morphogenesis influencing permeability, porosity, and infiltration rates. This research investigates groundwater potential in Yalimo Regency, Mountainous Papua Province. The research aims to evaluate aquifer characteristics using regional geological and geomorphological assessments complemented by advanced mapping technology. The methodology integrates field mapping with geospatial analysis to identify and delineate groundwater resources. Results provide a detailed understanding of aquifer distribution, capacity, and potential for sustainable utilization. Conclusions emphasize the importance of combining traditional and technological approaches for accurate groundwater resource assessment, offering insights for effective water management in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural seafloor depressions, known as pockmarks, are common subaqueous geomorphological features found from the deep ocean trenches to shallow lakes. Pockmarks can form rapidly or over millions of years and have a large variety of shapes created and maintained by a large variety of mechanisms. In the sandy sediments of the southeastern North Sea, abundant shallow pockmarks are ubiquitous and occur at shallow water depths (<50 m). Their formation has previously been linked to methane seepage from the seafloor. Here, we characterize over 50,000 pockmarks based on their morphology, geochemical signature, and the subsurface pre‐conditions using a new integrated geoscientific data set, combining geophysical and sedimentological data with geochemical porewater and oceanographic analysis. We test whether the methane seepage is indeed responsible for pockmark formation. However, our data suggest that neither the seepage of light hydrocarbons nor groundwater is driving pockmark formation. Because of this lack of evidence for fluid seepage, we favor the previously suggested biotic formation but also discuss positive feedback mechanisms in ocean bottom currents as a formation process. Based on a comparison of pockmarks to the central and southeastern North Sea, we find that local lithology significantly affects pockmark morphology. Muddy lithologies favor the formation of larger, long‐lived structures, while sandy lithologies lead to short‐lived, small‐scale structures that are large in area but with shallow incision depth. We conclude that pockmarks in sandy environments might have been overlooked globally due to their shallow incision depth and recommend reevaluating the role of hydrocarbon ebullition in pockmark formation. Plain Language Summary: Pockmarks are natural depressions on the seafloor, found everywhere from deep oceans to shallow lakes. These underwater features can form quickly or over millions of years, sometimes reaching impressive sizes—tens of meters deep and kilometers wide. Pockmarks are created by different processes depending on where they are found, but they are often linked to the release of gases such as methane from the seafloor. In the southeastern North Sea, thousands of shallow pockmarks have been discovered in sandy areas less than 50 m deep. Initially thought to be caused by methane gas leaks, our research shows this is unlikely. We studied over 50,000 pockmarks using geological, chemical, and oceanographic data and found little evidence that methane or groundwater seepage is responsible. Instead, these pockmarks are more likely created by either marine animals such as harbor porpoises or turbulent ocean currents. We also found that the grainsize of the sediment greatly affects pockmark morphology and lifespan. In muddy areas, pockmarks are larger and longer‐lasting, whereas in sandy areas, they are shallower and shorter‐lived. Our findings suggest that many pockmarks in sandy environments may have been overlooked due to their shallow depth. We recommend reconsidering the role of methane in pockmark formation. Key Points: Pockmarks in the German Bight form in sandy environments and are likely not related to fluid ventingPockmarks in sandy sediments are shallow in depth, large in area and short‐lived structures compared to muddy host sedimentsDespite the widespread occurrence of pockmarks in the southeastern North Sea, the processes leading to their formation remain unclear [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of active fault zones is fundamental to understanding both long‐term tectonics and short‐term earthquake behavior. Here, we integrate lidar‐enabled geomorphic‐geologic mapping and petrochronological analysis to reveal the slip‐history, tectonic evolution, and structure of the southern Alpine Fault in New Zealand. New petrographic, zircon U‐Pb and zircon trace‐element data from fault‐displaced basement units provides constraint on ∼70–90 km of right‐lateral displacement on the presently active strand of the southern Alpine Fault, which we infer is of Plio‐Quaternary age. This incremental displacement has accumulated while the offshore part of the fault has evolved within a distributed zone of plate boundary deformation. We hypothesize that pre‐existing faults in the continental crust of the Pacific Plate have been exploited as components of this distributed plate boundary system. Along the onshore southern Alpine Fault, detailed mapping of active fault traces reveals complexity in geomorphic fault expression. Our analysis suggests that the major geomorphic features of the southern Alpine Fault correspond to penetrative fault zone structures. We emphasize the region immediately south of the central‐southern section boundary, where a major extensional stepover and restraining bend are located along‐strike of each other. We infer that this geometry may reflect segmentation of the Alpine Fault between two distinct fault segments. The ends of these proposed segments meet near where several Holocene earthquake ruptures have terminated. Our new constraints on the evolution and structure of the southern Alpine Fault help contribute to improved characterization of the greatest onshore source of earthquake hazard in New Zealand. Key Points: Fiordland‐derived crystalline basement units have been dissected and dextrally displaced ∼70–90 km by the Alpine Fault since the late PlioceneThe southern Alpine Fault has evolved within a distributed fault network and may be less mature than the more northern parts of the faultStructural complexity where many Holocene earthquakes have terminated appears consistent with structural segmentation of the fault [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct and indirect human disturbances present major challenges to sustainable management of dryland rivers, impacting upon their role as critical lifelines in arid and semiarid regions. This paper presents an overview of changing human–river relations, knowledges and practices in the management of dryland rivers in western India over the last 4500 years. In ancient times, traditional knowledges underpinned local water harvesting techniques that worked with nature. Subsequent imposition of external values and knowledge frameworks in colonial times applied a command‐and‐control ethos that asserted human authority over rivers. Postindependence, development programmes in the second half of the 21st century further accentuated this legacy, with profound implications for river health. Discipline‐bound approaches to river restoration in recent decades have failed to address these concerns. Using the Sabarmati catchment (~20,000 km2) as a case study, we develop a holistic, transdisciplinary approach that integrates traditional place‐based knowledges and practices alongside scientific understandings and the generative potential of Big Data to show how a plural knowledges model can support proactive and precautionary approaches to sustainable river management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Clarence River (New South Wales, Australia) was the main transport corridor for the timber and sugar cane industries operating in the catchment from the 1860s to the 1970s. Using archaeological, documentary, and oral historical resources we explore some of the anthropogenic impacts of these industries upon the fluvial geomorphology of the lower Clarence River. In particular, the deliberate abandonment of obsolete vessels on the river system is a focus. These discarded former cane and timber barges have been used as erosion control devices in several areas around the Harwood Island sugar mill, resulting in the accumulation of sediments and the establishment of mangrove environments in what were degraded areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assam, located in the Northeast of India, is highly flood-prone, and the erosional and depositional processes highly influence the landforms. The formation and development of landforms are directly related to the geology, geomorphology, drainage basin characteristics, and soil types of the region. In the present study, a remote sensing and GIS-based geomorphodiversity index (GMI) assessment of Assam is performed using three sub-indices: geodiversity, morphometric diversity, and drainage diversity index. Sixty-six potential geomorphosites are identified with their geological, geomorphological, and GMI classes. With the help of a flood inundation map, the inundated area of each GMI class is calculated. According to the result, 27.02%, 10.76%, and 3.7% of the total area of Assam fall under moderate, high, and very high GMI classes, respectively. Barak Valley and Central Assam region exhibit high to very high GMI values. Geology and geomorphology have a strong influence on GMI values. About 22.32%, 28.33%, 37.18%, 38.25%, and 35.37% of areas with low, moderate, high, and very high GMI are inundated, respectively. This study determined that areas having high GMI can increase the geomorphological heritage value of the region and can play a significant role in promoting geotourism with an increase in the scientific, educational, and aesthetic value of geomorphosites. This study can also help the local governing authorities to conduct and implement better management and conservation policies for vulnerable locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain meadows are ecologically important groundwater dependent ecosystems that retain and store water in upland forested landscapes. They tend to occur in low gradient, broad valleys where water slows and sediment accumulates, making them efficient locations for restoration. Over a century and a half of land use has degraded many meadows in the Sierra Nevada, reducing their hydrological and ecological functionality. Process‐based restoration (PBR) is an ecosystem rehabilitation approach that utilises biogeomorphic processes to facilitate functional ecosystem recovery. Low‐tech applications of PBR leverage fluvial processes, plant growth and the manipulation of onsite materials to increase structural and hydrological complexity. In meadows, typical goals associated with restoration are to increase groundwater elevations, expand wetted area, encourage sediment capture and create diffuse flow paths leading to improved ecological function over time. This study compares surface and groundwater conditions in a degraded riparian meadow in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA for 1 year before and after process‐based restoration to understand initial changes in meadow hydrogeomorphic function. Restoration included the installation of 39 postless beaver dam analog structures in ~1 km of incised meadow channel. Stage‐discharge data at the inlet and outlet of the project area were paired with groundwater data collected from 13 wells distributed across the meadow to estimate increased water storage of 3700 m3 due to restoration. After the wet winter of 2023, we estimated that pools upstream of structures filled to over half their volume with fine sediment. We also applied hydrodynamic modelling to evaluate fluvial changes at high flows and found that restoration increased flow complexity and wetted surface area. These short‐term responses highlight the potential speed and ability of low‐tech, process‐based restoration in achieving restoration outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pore space characteristics of geological materials are closely related to their mechanical, transport and hydraulic properties. In geomorphology, pore size distribution (PSD) is an important characteristic in rock weathering, evaporation and other studies. In an effort to find novel methods to determine the PSD, perhaps to bypass the disadvantages of the current techniques, there has been a growing interest in the use of non‐Newtonian fluids. In this contribution, we are particularly interested in the method recently introduced by Abou Najm and Atallah (the ANA method), which exploits the way in which the flow of different shear‐thinning fluids distributes differently in the pore space to compute the functional PSD estimation. We performed a set of saturated flow experiments with aqueous xanthan gum solutions of different concentrations, using as simple as possible laboratory settings, and we implemented a modified version of the previously introduced numerical model to obtain the PSDs of four sandstone and one tuff samples. The results are compared with conventional mercury intrusion porosimetry, showing a good agreement regarding the dominant pore size and a notable similarity in the distributions. Several limitations were identified as well, such as the lack of information on relatively small pores (<5–10 μm for the samples studied) and the potential issues in obtaining a more detailed distribution. We conclude that the ANA method is promising for geomorphological evaporation and rock durability studies, particularly for coarser materials such as sandstone, but it also encounters challenges for certain applications, especially for fine‐grained rocks. It must be acknowledged that the ANA method has been tested on a limited range of materials and further investigation is required to fully explore its capabilities and limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass movements can be caused by factors from different categories, such as geological factors and climate change. From a geological point of view, the soil profile and the geotechnical properties of the materials are crucial in influencing slope instability. From a climate change perspective, rainfall intensity is one of the main triggers of mass movements. Studies related to rainfall infiltration focus on saturated slope zones; therefore, areas of slope stability with infiltration in the unsaturated zone present large gaps. The Brazilian government environmental diagnostics company, the Mineral Resources Research Company (CPRM), identified the municipality of Areia/PB as a danger zone. The region has landslides that occur mostly during the rainy season. Such events lead to the presumption that rainwater infiltration is responsible for the failure of the municipality's slopes. Thus, the studies proposed in this research aim to determine the influence of precipitation on the stability of the slopes present in the region. The results show that antecedent precipitation has a greater influence on stability, indicating that daily precipitation alone cannot be used as a determinant for landslides. It was concluded that the role of precipitation in slope stability will vary for different locations, with varying surface conditions, variable tropical rainfall, or different microclimatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountains are unique terrestrial ecosystems characterized by distinct physiography, biological diversity, and socio-economic features. These ecosystems provide numerous essential goods and services to communities within and beyond the mountains. Despite their significance, comprehensive studies that thoroughly characterize the ecosystem services of mountains are lacking. Such research is crucial to advance scientific understanding of mountain characteristics and ecosystem services. This study investigates mountain regions' unique characteristics and ecosystem services using global datasets such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA), NASA EARTHDATA, and other relevant databases and literature review. The focus was to explore unique physiographic and socio-economic characteristics and ecosystem services provided by mountains. The results indicate that mountain ecosystems are pivotal in offering provisional, regulatory, and supporting ecosystem services on Earth. Despite their limited geographical area, these ecosystems supply substantial amounts of freshwater to communities living within and downstream of mountainous regions. Additionally, mountain ecosystems serve as global biodiversity hotspots, harboring a significant proportion of the world's species. However, mountain ecosystems face numerous natural and anthropogenic challenges, including climate change, habitat destruction, and resource overexploitation. Current efforts towards sustainable mountain development are inadequate. Enhanced scientific research and targeted policy measures are essential to address these challenges, protect mountain biodiversity, and ensure the continuous provision of vital ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article in Scientific Reports discusses a tectonic study of the Magallanes Fault System in Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia, focusing on fault slip rates. The study challenges the robustness of the dating and suitability of geomorphic markers used by previous researchers. The authors caution against drawing conclusions based on unsuitable markers and cropped images, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation in tectonic geomorphology. The article highlights discrepancies in dating and offset measurements, urging for a more comprehensive and accurate approach to understanding fault slip rates in the region. [Extracted from the article]

Quantitative landslide hazard models provide estimations of the number of landslides per area and time that might be expected in the near future. These models are essential to calculate landslide risk in monetary terms. Although they are very useful tools for managing the activity of unstable slopes, their production calls for a vast amount of spatial and temporal data. Here, we present a case where this was possible producing the quantitative landslide hazard map for the municipality of Loja, Ecuador. It is based on a model that integrates six causal factors (distance to faults, lithology, slope, geomorphology, topographic position index, land use) and a comprehensive multi-temporal inventory of landslides. First, a susceptibility map was generated with a good prediction capability (Area under prediction rate curve, AUPRC: 0.8) combining two widely used and tested probabilistic methods: "Matrix" and "Likelihood ratio". Subsequently, this map was transformed into a hazard map by including the temporal frequency of landslides. The map assesses the annual probability of each pixel to be set in motion within one of these landslides. The preliminary temporal validation of the hazard map indicates that the pixels mobilized during two years after the map production fit reasonably well with our spatio-temporal forecast. The findings emphasize that classical spatial prediction methods, when augmented by robust and extensive data on landslide distribution and activity, can yield hazard models with reliable predictive capabilities. This suggests that in practical applications, models based on relatively simple calculations can provide effective and reliable starting points for managing landslide risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synthesis of field geological and archaeological surveying, as well as near-surface stratigraphy, provides new insights into the late Quaternary history of this region. We find a long series of alluvial, colluvial, playa, and aeolian deposits that show a complicated history of changes in the late Quaternary climate and environment. In the current study, we summarize the results of a geoarchaeological study that focused on the entire range of landscapes and associated landforms along the fringe of the Libyan Plateau at Umm Dabadib, Kharga Oasis, in the Western Desert of Egypt. We also determined the distribution of the cultural materials of prehistoric sites in different geomorphic settings, including playas, wadis, and dune fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jimibong is a north-facing horseshoe-shaped scoria cone in the northeast of Jeju Island that released lava flows to form a semicircular lava plateau. Sixty volcanic hummocks comprising scoria, spatter, and volcanic bombs are found on the lava plateau. The hummocks can be classified into Type 1 and Type 2 according to clast components, distance from the vent, and internal structure. Type 1 hummocks, distributed within approximately 1,000 m of the vent, comprise scoria deposits mixed with volcanic bombs and relatively few dykes that rise from the underlying lava. In contrast, Type 2 hummocks, distributed 1,000–1,300 m from the vent along the coast, comprise spatter/scoria and volcanic bomb deposits. The spatter/scoria of the Type 2 hummocks is highly agglutinated with abundant squeezing dykes that originated from the underlying lava and locally extruded over the hummocks. Although both the Type 1 and Type 2 hummocks comprise parts of the collapsed and rafted spatter/scoria blocks, their differences in shape, clast components, and structures are explained by changes in the eruption style (from spatter to scoria) and rheological changes in the lava with distance from the vent. Lava flows breached the cone following spatter-dominated eruptions in the early stages of Hawaiian eruption. Through this partial cone collapse, spatter blocks were transported with the lava flow away from the cone. The lava surface then cooled and hardened as the lava temperature decreased and viscosity increased. The contraction of the lava due to cooling caused the rafted cones to fragment into various sizes as they cracked, fractured, and rotated. Hot liquid lava from within the flow was squeezed-up because of the volcanic load of the rafted blocks, intruding into the fractures in the rafted blocks before locally flowing over them, creating the characteristic Type 2 hummocks. In contrast, Type 1 hummocks formed in the later stages of Strombolian activity, when scoria-dominant eruptions caused collapsed scoria blocks to be rafted with the lava flow. These scoria blocks were deposited in areas proximal to the cone and show few dyke intrusions due to the limiting effects of edifice load on dyke development. The Jimibong volcano provides an example of changing hummock structures in relation to changing eruption styles of scoria cones, deepening our understanding of the geomorphic development in volcanic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to predict areas susceptible to landslide processes by applying an artificial neural network mathematical model in the locality of Guatapurí and Chemesquemena. Areas susceptible to mass landslide phenomena were delimited based on the identification of conditioning factors ((1) Surface Geological Units, (2) Terrain Slope, (3) Vegetation Cover, (4) Terrain Roughness Index, (5) Geomorphology and (6) Watershed) and mapping and processing of satellite images (Landsat) by applying mathematical models of artificial neural networks type. The susceptibility assessment highlighted an uneven distribution in Guatapurí and Chemesquemena. The "very high" susceptibility zones (43% of the area) were characterized by steep slopes, distinct flow patterns and moderate to very high relief. In contrast, the zones classified as "very low" susceptibility (34% of the area) have gentle to almost flat slopes, with slow runoff and materials less prone to landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluvial networks are characterised by spatial and temporal transitions as geomorphic and ecological processes within these systems are mediated longitudinally by sediment and water fluxes which vary spatially in magnitude and variability. The aim of this special issue was to shed light on the nature of source-to-sink fluvial transitions associated with spatial and temporal variability in geomorphic and hydrological processes. We encouraged contributions that considered fluvial transitions at any spatial or temporal scale, and invited research that addressed the implications of such transitions. The number of submissions was limited, which was potentially indicative of the lack of field-based studies being conducted at a catchment- or source-to-sink scale. Two of the published submissions considered longitudinal transitions in sediment sources using a sediment finger-printing approach, while the remaining two articles combined traditional fluvial sedimentology techniques with optically stimulated luminescence chronology to deduce controls on river reach flood dynamics. As we enter a time of unprecedented human impact on the environment, there is a clear need for future research to focus on the catchment as a holistic unit as the interconnectedness of landscape pattern and process has implications for biodiversity, water quality, ecosystem service provision and thus catchment management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Letaba River is one of several east-flowing rivers in the semiarid region of northeast South Africa. There is strong seasonality of river discharge and patterns of geomorphic behaviour along bedrock- and sediment-dominated reaches in these rivers, and in response to extreme seasonal flood events. This paper presents new luminescence ages on sediment samples from five sites in upper (headwater) reaches of the Letaba River catchment outside of Kruger National Park, South Africa, combined with evidence from reach-scale geomorphology and sediment sample analysis. River reaches are mainly mixed bedrock-alluvial with a patchwork of poorly sorted coarse sand bars overlying an abraded extended bedrock channel system. Luminescence ages from river sediment deposits (n = 13) cluster around three time periods of the last 400 years, 500–1100 BP, and 1400 BP. This suggests different reworked populations are present, which are a result of the partial bleaching of quartz grains and, thus, a mixed luminescence signal as flood-transported sediments are progressively moved from one depositional sink to another. This pattern of luminescence ages is quite different to lowland river systems in the same region where ages on the whole are significantly younger. Flood processes and dynamics in headwater reaches of semiarid rivers are often not considered but can yield a better understanding of system sensitivity to climate and event forcing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic interdisciplinary approach based on the socio-ecological model of the Vienna school has been adopted to achieve a more nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the ancient metropolis of Pergamon (western Anatolia) and its micro-region. The city of Pergamon ranks among the 'guiding fossils' of urban culture in antiquity. We describe how the socio-ecological model is subject to adaptation and discussion to fit the needs and circumstances of archaeology. In focussing on geomorphodynamics, we use several approaches to conceptualise and model selected aspects of human-environment interactions, integrating data from physical geography, archaeology, building archaeology (Bauforschung) and ancient history. The model includes several dimensions of the social metabolism of Pergamon, first and foremost the carrying capacity of the environment and demographics, comprising population increase and labour as an active investment in nature. Geomorphodynamics are regarded as major 'events' in the model, related to the social metabolism (e.g. increased erosion/deposition in the micro-region in relation to urban sprawl). With the social-ecological model, it is possible – and becomes imperative – to include the perception and representation of human-environment interactions manifested in, for example, administrative patterns and religious practices or architecture and built infrastructure (such as terraces, riverbank stabilisation, substraction terraces and substraction bridges). Geomorphodynamics also involve various aspects of the perception of the environment, though these are not recorded in ancient texts on Pergamon known to date. Concurrently, the importance of the model in organising, structuring, and communicating interdisciplinary collaboration and discourse is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karangasem Village, Paliyan District, Gunungkidul Regency, Indonesia is located in the Gunungsewu area, which has been designated as a Global Geopark by UNESCO (UGG = Unesco Global Geopark). This village has an interesting natural landscape, in the form of karst geomorphology which is reflected in the presence of dome and conical hills, dolines, uvala, locva, and caves, which can be promoted as one of the geosites in the Gunungsewu geopark. One aspect of a geopark is science. Thus, geomorphology in the Karangasem area needs to be elaborated from a scientific perspective. The aim of this study is to characterize the relationship between geomorphology and limestone physical/mechanical properties that make up this landform. The methods applied are surface mapping, geomorphological and petrological assessment, physical/mechanical properties testing, and correlation analysis. The research results show that there are three units of lithology, namely reef limestone unit, bedded limestone unit, and marl unit. The three rock units are characterized by their different values of unified compressive strength (UCS), Schmidt hammer hardness, and Mohs scale hardness. Landforms of the study area can be classified into karst hills, karst undulating, and karst plain. This geomorphology is very strong correlated with physical/mechanical properties and lithological units, with correlation coefficient (R2 ) > 0.9. The strong, hard, and resistant rocks form rough relief, while weak, soft, and not resistant rocks produce smooth relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the legacies of the Apollo missions and the fleet of unmanned probes that have followed them is the recognition that the Moon is far more active than previously believed, with seismic activity deep in the lunar interior and some tectonic activity at shallower depths, as well as gas release from below the surface. Here, we review lunar activity in the context of reports of the observation of transient lunar phenomena (TLPs), attempting to separate myth from reality. We suggest that a significant fraction of reported TLPs could have an explanation in local geology or geomorphology. In a further paper we will examine one particularly well-known TLP report to see if there is a plausible explanation based on local geology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrain analysis plays an important role in computer graphics, hydrology and geomorphology. In particular, analyzing the path of material flow over a terrain with consideration of local depressions is a precursor to many further tasks in erosion, river formation, and plant ecosystem simulation. For example, fluvial erosion simulation used in terrain modeling computes water discharge to repeatedly locate erosion channels for soil removal and transport. Despite its significance, traditional methods face performance constraints, limiting their broader applicability. In this paper, we propose a novel GPU flow routing algorithm that computes the water discharge in 풪(log n) iterations for a terrain with n vertices (assuming n processors). We also provide a depression routing algorithm to route the water out of local minima formed by depressions in the terrain, which converges in 풪(log2 n) iterations. Our implementation of these algorithms leads to a 5× speedup for flow routing and 34 × to 52 × speedup for depression routing compared to previous work on a 10242 terrain, enabling interactive control of terrain simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of compensatory stream mitigation projects conventionally relies on spatially discrete geometric data and habitat assessments collected from representative reaches. Project success is evaluated by extrapolating site‐scale metrics such as rapid bioassessment protocol (RBP) scores and time‐series changes in width‐to‐depth ratios to adjacent reaches. For example, an excellent RBP score at one location is used to infer excellent habitat in nearby reaches. This paper compares spatially discrete and continuous monitoring data from 38 km of restored stream length on a stream mitigation project in central Kentucky to document how conventional site‐level metrics may not represent conditions in adjacent reaches, particularly on projects plagued by post‐construction geomorphic instability (e.g., headcut migration, propagation of bank erosion, and chute cutoff formation). Over a 5‐year monitoring period, rapid visual assessment walkabouts documented project‐scale geomorphic process trajectories that were not captured by conventional site‐specific monitoring. Early detection of geomorphic instability from this rapid monitoring approach facilitated cost‐effective and tailored adaptive management (e.g., planting of live stakes to arrest bank erosion). Full‐census walkabouts can thereby help to improve mitigation credit valuation, enhance long‐term habitat protection, and facilitate successful steam restoration outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal hazards threaten properties, infrastructure, and cultural sites around Aotearoa New Zealand's (hereafter Aotearoa) coastline and sea-level rise (SLR) will escalate this problem. At present it is unclear how archaeological sites will be affected by future coastal erosion and inundation. In this paper we combine national-scale archaeological and environmental datasets to provide a first-pass overview of archaeological heritage at risk in Aotearoa. Two key national-scale datasets are utilized: (1) coastal sensitivity index (CSI) developed by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research; and (2) ArchSite, Aotearoa's archaeological site database. The integrated datasets produce insights into the sensitivity of coastal archaeology to SLR and associated hazards, which are vital to planning for the loss of coastal archaeological sites. More than half (∼55%) of recorded coastal archaeological sites around Aotearoa are midden (n = 4938) and about 25% (n = 2271) are earthworks. In total, ca. 12% (9054) of all known archaeological sites are within 1000 m of soft shore shorelines. Of this total, only about 3% (302) of sites are burials, but the loss of these 302 burial sites would have very high cultural impact. Coastal erosion is a particularly important threat to archaeology as it would permanently remove sites, whereas the risk of site removal by coastal flooding inundation is lower. Our results show that about 22% (1954) of coastal archaeological sites are located on landforms that are sensitive to SLR-driven erosion: 29% (2660) of archaeological sites are located on foredune barrier beaches, 23% (2059) on foredune barrier plains, 14% (1283) on beaches, and 9% (808) on beach ridge barriers. This work draws attention to the scale of coastal archaeology in Aotearoa that needs adequate documentation, preservation, and potentially protection in the face of SLR. Robust coastal erosion and inundation datasets are needed to more deeply understand potential SLR-driven impacts on coastal archaeology and provide a scientific foundation for considering future adaptation options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of drone technology to produce high-resolution digital imagery and elevation models has been associated with a growing interest in developing quantitative morphometric analysis (QMA). QMA analysis is an invaluable part of creating detailed topographic models in landslide scars that are still highly unstable and prone to erosion. This paper presents the results of a research that aims to create a topographic model in a landslide scarred area where the slope configuration is still varied. The study area was located in the landscape of the Cretaceous-Tertiary volcanic transition where many landslides have occurred. Three landslides were selected on the basis of different soil material characteristics that affect the topographic condition of the landslide scar. Aerial photography was recorded using a UAV with a flying height of 80 m, with an orthomosaic resolution of 1 cm. In detail, three morphometric variables (slope, plan curvature, topographic position index) were selected and calculated with the output evaluated based on visual-spatial interpretation. The results showed that morphometric variables performed well in modeling land surface topography. Steep slopes and surfaces with convex curvature are abundant at the ledges and landslide heads that allow water runoff to disperse as the initiation of gully erosion. The multidimensional gully erosion network is concentrated at relatively low elevations and surfaces with concave curvature. The undulating micro-relief of the land surface as a result of the process of material disposition builds up on each other to a gentle slope. Finally, the topographic model of the landslide surface can be used as a base material in implementation of both physical and vegetative land conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The formation age of the middle Yellow River and the existence of a northward‐flowing river have been fiercely debated. The age distribution of detrital zircon varied spatiotemporally and produced contradictory provenance interpretations. The Jinshaan Gorge, the main part of the middle Yellow River and key to studying fluvial evolution and clarifying disputes, developed its topography during the late Cenozoic. In this study, we systematically review the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the North China Craton, perform detrital zircon U–Pb dating in the Neogene−Quaternary sediments and investigate the topography along the Jinshaan Gorge, and the sedimentology and chronological framework of these sediments. We propose that the Gorge of the middle Yellow River could have developed since the Neogene, controlled by the tectono‐geomorphologic evolution of the North China Craton in a dominantly extensional environment. No evidence supports a northward‐flowing river during the Early Pleistocene or even earlier in the Jinshaan Gorge. We attribute the provenance variations of the Cenozoic sediments to detrital mixing of diverse geological units, local and distant, and especially highlight the systematic provenance shift between the Neogene and Quaternary sediments caused by bedrock downcutting and recycling aeolian sediments. The increased 1.5−0.33 Ga component of the lower Yellow River during the Early Pleistocene was likely caused by enhanced loess accumulation and should not be individually used as a proxy for the Yellow River formation. We emphasize the significance of a comprehensive study of river evolution. Plain Language Summary: Three‐quarters of the Yellow River channel is located on the North China Craton, but the formation and evolution of the Yellow River have been usually attributed to the upper reaches due to the growth of the Tibetan Plateau. Geological units, such as aeolian deposits have a significant impact on the fluvial sediments of the Yellow River, and only systematic work can help unraveling their provenance and potential recycling. We have found that the tectonic evolution of the North China Craton between the rigid Ordos Block and the Lvliang Shan controlled the initial entrenchment of the Jinshaan Gorge in the middle Yellow River since the late or maybe the early Miocene. We have also revealed the complex spatial provenance changes of the fluvial sediments along the Yellow River and the systematic provenance shift between the Neogene and Quaternary sediments. At the same time, we emphasize the significance of an integrated study combining tectono‐geomorphic features, sedimentology and quantitative analysis, such as provenance, for the reconstruction of the river geological evolution. Key Points: The middle Yellow River has developed under the extensional tectonic evolution of the North China Craton since the CenozoicSystematic provenance shift between the Neogene and Quaternary sediments was caused by bedrock downcutting and aeolian depositionDetrital signal from the Tibetan Plateau cannot be transported to and detected in the lower Yellow River [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alluvial rivers are dynamic landscapes on the earth's surface that evolve with time. While many studies have examined the immediate effects of floods on river channels, there is a lack of research that investigates the longer-term evolution of river morphology following such events. The present study was carried out on the Upper Krishna River which flows between the southern part of Maharashtra and the northern part of Karnataka states in India for 375 Km. The morphological parameters were analyzed for three decades (1991–2021) and the year 2019 with the highest flood level was also considered for change analysis. The assessment was done for change in active channel area, mean width, bank line migration, sinuosity index, and erosion-accretion. The land use classification was also analyzed for the study period to understand the exposure to future floods. The spatial data was retrieved from different satellite missions and analyzed with the help of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS). The river was divided into seven segments (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7) and bank lines were digitised manually to minimise possible errors. The results show that during the study period, the river channel has been modified in terms of active channel area expansion in the R1, R5, R6, and R7, and erosion was found the dominating process while the left bank was more erosive than the right bank of the river. The built-up area was seen going through a major expansion than any other land use class. The discharge and sediment data confirm the flood years (1994, 2005, 2006, and 2019) which accelerated the morphological activity in the river segment. The results of the study provide new insights related to short-term morphological changes in the Upper Krishna River and can be used by policymakers and managers to carry out future development plans and river training work at affected sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River deltas are ecologically critical landscape components and are responsible as habitats for millions of people, wildlife, and plant communities. Deltas store vast quantities of eroded nutrient‐rich sediment and play a significant role in water quality management through nutrient cycling and storage. Many studies have been conducted in marine and tidal delta environments that characterize the sedimentology and geomorphic characteristics of these relatively young landscapes. However, little work has been completed in even younger inland reservoir deltas. This study characterized the sediments and geomorphology of the growing delta forming at the outlet of the Des Moines River into Red Rock Reservoir in south‐central Iowa and discussed the implications of the lower delta sediment and topographic characteristics in terms of sediment and nutrient storage, and the potential impact of the delta on other hydroecological factors. We found that the ca. 30‐year‐old lower delta is storing up to 60% of the contributing watershed's eroded sediment and total carbon, with total sediment depths of ca. 9 m across the 755‐ha area. Further, we identified two major geomorphic landscape positions within the lower delta that were categorized as distributary channels and delta plains. Sedimentological differences in these microscale landscape positions were identified. Sand content was greater at lowest distributary channel elevations and at the highest plain elevations whereas silt dominated the elevation range between these two extremes. The zone of silt accumulation corresponds to the range in elevation associated with normal lake level management. The silt‐dominated area is regularly inundated and covered with a variety of emergent vegetation and is the zone of critical importance for waterbird habitat and nutrient‐processing capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flashiness is a hydrologic signature used to describe the responsiveness of streamflow to precipitation. In practise, flashiness has most often been correlated with rainfall intensity and the presence of urban land cover or imperviousness. However, a number of watershed characteristics can influence flashiness, necessitating further investigation of how this particular watershed behaviour and its associated drivers vary at regional scales. We investigated how ten measurable watershed characteristics are empirically related to flashiness of 195 gauged streams in the Mid‐Atlantic region using linear regression analysis. The selected gauges had drainage areas ranging in size from 15 to 250 km2. To explore multiple quantifications of flashiness, we determined both the Richards‐Baker flashiness index, calculated from the continuous hydrograph, and number of peaks‐over‐threshold, for all watersheds for a 10‐year period. As found in other studies, the percentage of watershed development was strongly correlated with stream flashiness, though significant inverse relationships also existed for forest cover, water and wetlands and carbonate geology. Differences in flashiness values between rural and suburban watersheds were not significant, with a significant increase in flashiness (p < 0.01) occurring at 80% development or ~ 25% imperviousness. In addition, we found significant differences in relationships between watershed characteristics and flashiness when differentiated by physiographic regions. For the study area and each of its five physiographic sub‐regions, we identified the four most important predictors through multiple regression. The overall mid‐Atlantic model suggested that development, wetlands and compactness ratio as the most important predictors (adj R2 = 0.57). Significant predictors of stream flashiness varied among regions; however, wetlands served as a significant buffer of flashiness in four of five sub‐regions demonstrating the importance of wetlands in modulating flash‐flooding. In all physiographic regions, empirical models of flashiness values outperformed the Mid‐Atlantic regional model, underscoring the value of local landscape characteristics in augmenting or modulating flashy watershed responses. Our findings suggest the potential for improvements to operational flash‐flood forecasting using hydrologic characteristics of the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomorphological evolution is one of the main factors that increases flood damage in small or medium rivers located in upstream river reaches. These types of flood damage have been increasing at knickpoints where the riverbed slope and river width change abruptly and are likely to cause non‐equilibrium conditions for sediment transport during floods. Therefore, it is important to understand the non‐equilibrium morphological response at the knickpoint and the resulting new dynamic equilibrium state under given external forces. The effects of two‐dimensional (2D) morphological features on the dynamic equilibrium riverbed profile, however, have not been specifically studied because the methods currently in use for calculating equilibrium profiles are based on zero‐ or one‐dimensional (0D or 1D) modeling. Here, we perform numerical calculations using the 2D morphodynamic model iRIC‐Nays2DH to clarify the dynamic equilibrium profile and the process of reaching a dynamic equilibrium state. We also use an existing 1D model to show the 2D effect in the dynamic equilibrium state. To understand this, we set up three channels: slope transition point, width transition point, and both the slope and width transition point. 1D results show a constant slope profile in channels with constant width and upward‐convex profiles in channels with width expansion at the equilibrium state, owing to the adjustment of the difference in sediment transport volume in the two reaches with different widths by changing the slopes. In contrast, the 2D results show that the alternate bars create a small autogenic knickpoint even in the straight channel and significantly dampen sediment deposition at the width expansion point, as seen in the 1D model result. This was because the bars' shape increased the volume of sediment transport because the shape of the bars concentrated flow. These results suggest that 2D morphological features, such as fluvial bars, play a significant role in the equilibrium riverbed profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Text‐to‐image (TTI) generative models can be used to generate photorealistic images from a given text‐string input. However, the rapid increase in their use has raised questions about fairness and biases, with most research to date focusing on social and cultural areas rather than domain‐specific considerations. We conducted a case study for the Earth sciences, focusing on the field of fluvial geomorphology, where we evaluated subject‐area‐specific biases in the training data and downstream model performance of Stable Diffusion (v1.5). In addition to perpetuating Western biases, we found that the training data overrepresented scenic locations, such as famous rivers and waterfalls, and showed serious underrepresentation and overrepresentation of many morphological and environmental terms. Despite biassed training data, we found that with careful prompting, the Stable Diffusion model was able to generate photorealistic synthetic river images reproducing many important environmental and morphological characteristics. Furthermore, conditional control techniques, such as the use of condition maps with ControlNet, were effective for providing additional constraints on output images. Despite great potential for the use of TTI models in the Earth sciences field, we advocate for caution in sensitive applications and advocate for domain‐specific reviews of training data and image generation biases to mitigate perpetuation of existing biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the history of the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG), an organization formally established in 1989, but with the foundations laid at the First International Conference on Geomorphology in Manchester in 1985. It recreates the spirit of the 1980s, when the need for more efficient international cooperation on an equal basis was argued for, and outlines steps which led to its setting up. The model of operation of the IAG is presented, emphasizing membership by countries, followed by milestone institutional developments, listing of IAG officers and its Honorary Fellows. Key IAG activities are conferences, projects run by working groups, training and support programmes for early career geomorphologists, and publications. A summary of major achievements and challenges for the future concludes the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]